Original scientific paper
Ethnic Conflict as an Intra-Group Phenomenon: A Preliminary Framework
V. P. Gagnon, Jr.
; Peace Studies Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
Abstract
The literature on "ethnic conflict" tends to focus solely on external sources of such conflict. But this unquestioning focus on ethnic conflict as due to factors in the relationship between "ethnic groups" or their elites may at times be misleading. Drawing on a critique of conflict theory as developed in the field of international relations, I point out the conceptual and methodological problems associated with the analysis of inter-group conflict, and point to the importance of within-group conflict, especially conflict between elites, as sources of external conflict. I apply this critique to the concept of ethnic conflict and point out the consequences of such questioning for understanding the causes of violent conflict along ethnic lines.
Keywords
ethnicity; conflict theory; international relations; ethnic conflict; interstate conflict; cultural politics
Hrčak ID:
154621
URI
Publication date:
30.6.1995.
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